Hypertension in pregnancy is linked with kidney disease riskThe risk of developing chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease was 11 times and 14 times greater, respectively, in women with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy than those without, according to a study of more than 240,000 women in Taiwan. "Close surveillance for microalbuminuria, blood pressure and diabetes should be considered for women with a history of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy," researchers wrote. The findings appeared in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Medical News Today
(1/22)

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Providers & Suppliers

Areas with quality improvement programs show fewer readmissionsCommunities where Medicare Quality Improvement Organizations oversee quality improvement efforts showed greater reductions in 30-day rehospitalizations compared with areas that do not have such programs, a study found. Reductions in all-cause hospitalizations were also greater under the Quality Improvement Organizations. The findings were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. BeckersHospitalReview.com
(1/22)

Digital communication may improve doctor-patient relationshipA Televox report showed 85% of Americans believe high-tech forms of communication such as e-mail and text messages are at least as useful as conversations with health professionals that occur in person or over the telephone. Researchers also found 51% of those who had received text messages, voicemails or e-mails from their providers reported feeling more valued as a patient. BeckersHospitalReview.com
(1/22)

Medical Update

Hearing loss associated with cognitive decline in study of seniorsBaseline hearing loss among older adults was linked to 32% to 41% greater cognitive decline annually, based on test scores that measured executive and global function, compared with peers with normal hearing, according to a study to be published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine. "Further research is needed to investigate what the mechanistic basis of this observed association is and whether such pathways would be amendable to hearing rehabilitative interventions," researchers wrote. Nurse.com
(1/21)

Emerging Trends

Researchers work on vaccines to prevent, treat cancersProphylactic vaccines have been developed to prevent certain cancers caused by viruses, parasites and other pathogens, and researchers are also working to harness the body's immune system in an effort to use vaccines to treat cancer. The idea is to teach the body's immune cells to identify and attack cancer cells. Researchers are working on vaccine treatments for pancreatic cancer and brain cancer. Meanwhile, cancers such as stomach cancer are considered candidates for additional prophylactic vaccines. HealthDay News
(1/18)

Mobile app helps patients determine benefits from hernia surgeryA free mobile health application was developed by Dr. Todd Heniford, a surgeon at Carolinas Medical Center, and his colleagues to help hernia patients weigh the benefits of hernia repair surgery. The app is supported by a mathematical equation, which was based on research involving more than 1,700 hernia surgery patients in different countries, to help users determine their chances of experiencing chronic pain and discomfort after surgery. The Charlotte Observer (N.C.)
(1/22)

Register for AHIP’s new Dual Eligibles SummitJoin AHIP on March 12 in Washington, D.C. ,for the Dual Eligibles Summit: Improving Care, Coverage, and Cost to examine issues related to access, care integration and quality measurement. You’ll enjoy sessions such as “Integrating Behavioral Health, Physical Health and Personal Support Services” and “State Strategies for Streamlining and Aligning Initiatives.” Learn more and register today.

Secure your AHIP 2013 conference sponsorshipsSponsorship opportunities are available for AHIP 2013 conferences such as the National Policy Forum, March 13 and 14 in Washington, D.C., and Institute 2013, June 12 to 14 in Las Vegas. Reach hundreds of health care decision makers who attend AHIP conferences to learn and network. Contact AHIP’s Business Development Team at BusinessDevelpment@ahip.org or 866-707-AHIP (2447) for details.

Apply today to the Disparities Leadership ProgramThe Disparities Solutions Center is now accepting applications for the 2013-2014 Disparities Leadership Program (DLP). This year-long executive education program is designed for leaders from hospitals, health plans and other health care organizations who wish to implement practical strategies to identify and address racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, particularly through quality improvement. Applications are due on Feb. 8. Apply today.

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